How to Hang Shelves on Paneling

You can drastically increase storage space on walls with shelves. Areas on the wall that might otherwise be left for pictures or art can be made useful with shelves. They also are great places to show off collections. Shelves can be hung on most any wall, but hanging shelves on paneling takes a slightly different approach.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Screws
• Anchors
• Measuring tape
• Level
• String
• Drill
• Phillips screwdriver
• Pencil

Initial Steps

1. Knock on the walls first to determine the strength of the wall behind the paneling. Pull away a corner of the paneling if you do not know what kind of a wall is behind it. Heavy wood paneling is usually strong enough by itself to hold a shelf.

2. Use a pencil to mark the first spot where you will hang the shelf. Mark this on a stud if you found one in the wall.

3. Measure the length between the screw holes on the back shelf. Lay a string across the wall from the first mark and extend it the distance needed between the screws.

4. Set a level on top of the line. Move the line until you get a level reading. Make the second mark at the proper distance.

5. Drill holes for screws that will go into studs. Tap a hole into the mark for holes that are not on studs.

Using Anchors and Brackets

6. Install anchors on paneling that does not have a secure wall beneath it. Drill screws directly into panel to attach to the studs.

7. Consider brackets that attach the entire length of the wall if your paneling is not sturdy enough to hold the weight you plan to put onto the shelf. Anchor the brackets to the ceiling and to the floor.

8. Place each bracket the desired distance needed for the shelf. Attach the shelf to the bracket.

9. Brackets also can work well for multiple shelves on top of each other. They will be sturdy and equally separated.